Muhlenberg College vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Muhlenberg College is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Muhlenberg College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Muhlenberg College 9:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Muhlenberg College vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg College or Olin College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Muhlenberg College than Olin College ($34,739 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 30.1% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($14,548 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $3,593 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at Olin College than at Muhlenberg College (about $3,593 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students is 1.8% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($43,290 vs. $42,545).

Muhlenberg College vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Muhlenberg College or Olin College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Olin College and Muhlenberg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 200 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Olin College students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Olin College (25.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Muhlenberg College vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg College and Olin College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $11,780 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($14,710 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $121 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($152 vs. $273).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.